Amazing Day Trips to Take from Bora Bora by Boat

Tiny Maupiti is just 11 square kilometres (4 sq m); there’s only one road, hardly any cars, and zero big resorts – it’s heaven. Explore the island’s obscenely picturesque forest and beaches, or hike the pointy peak that sits at its centre. A string halo of islets surrounds the lagoon, glistening with every shade of blue imaginable; hire a kayak and go snorkelling, or book a scuba diving excursion to see what lies beneath the waves.

No, it’s not a clever Photoshop job; there really is a perfectly heart-shaped tropical atoll in French Polynesia, and its name is Tupai. It’s rumoured to be the location of treasure buried by Chilean mutineers in the 1820s. Today there are no residents, and no accommodation on the island. Instead, its palm-laden shores and shallow central lagoon draw visitors for its beauty alone. Bring a picnic, and snorkel the shallows. Visit from Bora Bora in November when sea turtles come to the beach to lay their eggs.

Though desert island living is many people’s fantasy, you may want to dip into some local culture while you’re exploring French Polynesia. Mountainous Raiatea is considered the spiritual heart of ancient Polynesia. It’s from here the original settlers sailed on to Hawaii and New Zealand. Visit the Taputapuatea marae where ceremonies used to be held. It’s a three- to four-hour voyage, depending on the winds, to reach Raiatea, so expect a full day of sailing from Bora Bora. Or why not stay overnight to explore properly?

This pocket-sized atoll, close to the shores of Raiatea, is the perfect day trip to paradise. So perfect that at weekends, even the locals head to its shores to while away the day swimming, catching fish, and cooking dinner on the beach. Besides the palms, you’ll find showers, toilet facilities, and picnic tables, so make a day of it.

First, what is a motu? These coral sand islets are dotted across French Polynesia. They form where sand accumulates over reefs, until vegetation slowly takes over, and an archetypal desert island emerges. Motu Céran is located east of Tahaa. Get there early to watch the sun rise over Huahine, kayak, or simply relax on the beach with a cold one. Cheers.

Smell that sweet air. Directly north from Raiatea, and sharing the same lagoon, this quiet island is one for nature lovers. Home to a number of vanilla farms, their sweet scent lingers among the palms and waterfalls. The vast lagoon is perfect for swimming, snorkelling, diving, and kayaking, as it is surrounded by motu. Stay late and watch the sun set over Bora Bora.

You’ll need a few days if you’re setting sail to Huahine, or why not add it on to a trip to neighbouring Raiatea? With lush, forested shores and a lack of large-scale development, you’ll find authentic Polynesian life across its eight quiet island villages, surrounded by vanilla, melon, and banana farms. Head to white sand beaches of Fare and Parea, and explore the neon waters of the lagoon. Alternatively, up the tempo by booking a surf lesson, or go hiking and horseback riding through the lush forests.